Meet the doctor who shatters stereotypes by operating on shattered femurs

HYDERABAD: Dr Thayi Chiranjeevi knew she wanted to be a doctor early in life. When she became “thoroughly fascinated” by orthopaedics, many were surprised by her choice, but her determination to pursue the ‘masculine field’ earned her the rare distinction of being one of only three women joint-replacement surgeons in the world.

Ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, she detailed her experiences and discrimination faced to Deccan Chronicle.

“As the only woman joint replacement surgeon in the country and one among three globally, I am frequently asked how I got into this speciality. I tell them I could feel it in my bones,” she said.

When she was in medical school, everyone she met opposed, if not denounced, her decision to become an orthopaedic surgeon. She said that while questions like “you're a woman, why are you choosing this male branch?” were commonplace, she was shocked when counsellors persuaded her to choose gynaecology or general medicine.

“The counsellors thought I would abandon my course midway, thereby denying a male student the seat and the chance to become an orthopaedic surgeon, but I remained firm in my resolve. It almost felt like polite discrimination. Female surgeons were stereotyped as being weaker than their male peers, particularly in orthopaedics, which is not true,” she said.

In orthopaedics, the representation of women has been increasing, but more slowly than in other surgical specialities.

“In contrast to the rising number of young girls seeking MS orthopaedics, I was the only female who opted for the speciality during my time. However, many people believe that orthopaedic speciality necessitates muscular power and physical strength. Such perceptions may perpetuate old stereotypes about what makes an outstanding orthopaedic surgeon,” she said.

That said, she has no bones to pick with her male colleagues by asserting that she never encountered workplace bias or male dominance. “I believe a woman surgeon would be more efficient and can perform a better job,” said Dr Chiranjeevi, who is now a senior consultant orthopaedic doctor and joint replacement surgeon at Sunshine Hospitals.

For someone who does about 2,500 surgeries each year, at an average of eight operations per day, she said that the operating room was a wonderful place to be. “The most memorable day for me was doing my first surgery with the full attention of all my colleagues, and I was thrilled that day when I was drilling the nail in the femur. Sunday, however, is the dullest day for me since I miss going to the operating room,” Dr Chiranjeevi said, with a laugh.

She said that women, in general, have a higher risk of suffering from orthopaedic problems, with rheumatoid arthritis being the most common, and that exercise, a balanced lifestyle, and periodic check-ups are the best prescriptions for maintaining robust orthopaedic health.

Putting to bed the gender question, she said: “It makes no difference whether the surgeon is male or female; what counts is that the patient walks away with a smile after recovery.”